‘That’s not AFL footy’: Alastair Clarkson expresses some concerns about the state of the game

Alastair Clarkson has expressed some concerns about the state of the game.

Clarkson spoke to 3AW Football in the wake of Hawthorn’s Friday night loss to Sydney, saying the game used to cater for all shapes and sizes.

He said the game has been reduced to three types of player.

“Really tall ones, big-bodied ones, and little nippy ones that can run into space,” Clarkson said.

Clarkson said the Charter of the Game strives to protect aspects of the game like high-marking and goal-scoring.

“You get a game like Kangaroos and Sydney last week. Pretty good conditions and it’s nine goals each,” Clarkson said.

“For mine, that’s not AFL footy.”

Tim Lane: “Have you seen the Luke Parker incident?”

Clarkson: “I’m going to be shy on that one.”

Tim: “What about the umpiring?”

Clarko: “I’ll be shy on that as well!”

— 3AW Football (@3AWisfootball) May 12, 2018

Clarkson also spoke about several other issues on the agenda, including:

• James Sicily: “We’re trying to mould him on Andrew Mackie.”
• His own future: “At some point in time, this group of players is going to be better served with a different coach.”
• Playing against Luke Hodge next week: “We wish him well, but I hope he doesn’t go too well!”

And many more.

Click PLAY for the expansive interview

Photo: Julian Smith / AAP